Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly interested in taking over the Southampton hot seat - and a connection from his Ibrox days could hold the key to surviving in the Premier League.
Nathan Jones lasted just 95 days in the St Mary's hot seat having failed to steer the club up the table, with defeat to Wolves on Saturday proving to be the final straw for the Southampton hierarchy with the club rooted to the bottom of the league. The search for a successor has now ramped up with reports south of the border claiming Gerrard, Frank Lampard and D.C United boss Wayne Rooney have made their interest in the job known to the club.
Liverpool icon Gerrard has been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa earlier this season having failed to recreate his success in the Scottish Premiership at Villa Park. However, he could be set for a career lifeline in the Premier League - and that could be good news for former Rangers star Joe Aribo.
The Nigeria international left Ibrox in the summer after a successful stint north of the border, with the playmaker lifting the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, as well as scoring in a Europa League final before making the switch to St Mary's. Gerrard brought Aribo on from his days at Charlton in the English Championship, and set him on the path to legendary status at Ibrox after netting in a European final.
The 26-year-old got off to a bright start at Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, starting 10 of his first 14 games on the south coast, but fell out of favour under Jones. Aribo has previously touted the importance of Gerrard on his career and the relationship they had behind the scenes.
He earlier this season: "Playing under Steven Gerrard was amazing, he was a big factor in me joining also because I felt wanted. He would banter with me and he was just really good to me. Even off the field, if I was out of form or I didn’t seem myself on the training ground, he would notice it and pull me in, speak to me in his office. He was really good to me."
Gerrard has gushed over Aribo, stating in his final season as Rangers boss: "What can I say about Joe Aribo? I tell you what I'll say about him - good players can play football, and top players can play anywhere on the football pitch and a manager can ask a player to do a role. Good players can do some and can't do some, Joe Aribo is a top player, so whatever I ask him to do, he goes out and gives it his best shot." A Gerrard and Aribo reunion could reignite both of their careers. And Southampton fans will hope that the Rangers connection secures a push for survival as they look for their third manager of the campaign.
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